Portable pack cover

ABSTRACT

An enclosure device for a portable pack including a perimeter, a first wall and a fastening member is provided. The perimeter forms an opening for receiving the portable pack. The first wall extends across the perimeter and the first wall has a plurality of individual covering elements extending a width of the perimeter. Each of the plurality of covering elements are independently moveable between an open position and a closed position. The perimeter and the first wall form an interior cavity for substantially surrounding the portable pack. The fastening member is operatively connected to the perimeter to secure the enclosure device to the portable pack.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S.Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 12/932,777, filed Mar. 5, 2011,the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an enclosure device for usewith portable packs. In particular, the present invention relates to anenclosure device capable of surrounding the portable pack while becarried by a user and which allows access to the portable pack while inuse.

Anyone who has spent time at a bus stop can see that portable packs endup on the ground or get soaked in the rain or snow waiting for the bus.Further, conventional portable pack covers are typically designed forlarge camping style backpacks and do not allow for access to thebackpacks while in place.

Thus, there is still a need for an enclosure device that is capable ofcovering a portable pack while allowing the portable pack to be carriedby a user and accessible by the user while in use. Such a need issatisfied by the portable pack cover of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the present inventionprovides an enclosure device for a portable pack that includes aperimeter, a first wall and a fastening member. The perimeter forms anopening for receiving the portable pack. The first wall extends acrossthe perimeter and has a plurality of individual covering elementsextending across a width of the perimeter. Each of the plurality ofcovering elements is independently moveable between an open position anda closed position. The perimeter and the first wall form an interiorcavity for substantially surrounding the portable pack. The fasteningmember is operatively connected to the perimeter to secure the enclosuredevice to the portable pack.

In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides anenclosure device for a portable pack that includes a perimeter, a firstwall and a fastening member. The perimeter forms an opening forreceiving the portable pack. The first wall extends across the perimeterand has at least one covering element extending across a width of theperimeter. The covering element is moveable between an open position anda closed position. The perimeter and first wall form an interior cavityfor substantially surrounding the portable pack. The fastening member isoperatively connected to the perimeter to secure the enclosure device tothe portable pack.

In accordance with yet another aspect, the present invention provides awaterproof backpack cover that includes a covering member, an accessopening, and a fastening member. The covering member defines an interiorcavity for receiving the backpack. The access opening provides access tothe interior cavity. The fastening member moves the access openingbetween a first position and a second position for securing the coveringmember to the backpack. The covering member includes a plurality ofcovering elements spanning across a perimeter of the covering member.Each of the plurality of covering elements is independently moveablebetween an open and a closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe preferred embodiments of the invention will be better understoodwhen read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodimentswhich are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, thatthe invention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a rear view of a backpack cover in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the backpack cover of FIG. 1containing an oval shaped opening for backpack straps to fit through soas to allow a user to wear the backpack on his or her back whilesimultaneously utilizing the backpack cover;

FIG. 3 is a left view of a person utilizing the backpack cover whilewearing a backpack;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a portable pack cover according toanother preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the portable pack cover of FIG. 4showing a covering element in an open position;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the portable pack cover of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the portable pack cover of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a portable pack cover inaccordance with another aspect of the present invention that includes asecond wall;

FIG. 9 is a top view of a container for housing a portable pack cover inaccordance with yet another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portable pack cover including thecontainer of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a portable pack cover inaccordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention havingsquare covering elements;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of a portable pack cover inaccordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention havingsemi-circular covering elements;

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of a portable pack cover inaccordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention havingtrapezoidal covering elements; and

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of a portable pack cover inaccordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention havingan oval covering element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of theinvention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible,the same or like reference numbers will be used throughout the drawingsto refer to the same or like features. It should be noted that thedrawings are in simplified form and are not drawn to precise scale. Inreference to the disclosure herein, for purposes of convenience andclarity only, directional terms such as top, bottom, above, below anddiagonal, are used with respect to the accompanying drawings. Suchdirectional terms used in conjunction with the following description ofthe drawings should not be construed to limit the scope of the inventionin any manner not explicitly set forth. Additionally, the term “a,” asused in the specification, means “at least one.” The terminologyincludes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof,and words of similar import.

For purposes of convenience only, the present invention will bedescribed herein in reference to a portable pack being a backpack,however the present invention can be applied to any portable pack suchas a piece of luggage, a briefcase, a laptop bag, etc.

In accordance with a first preferred embodiment, the present inventionprovides a backpack cover that is functional. Waterproof and washablefabric is fashioned so that all sides of the backpack are covered exceptthe rear of the backpack where an oval-shape cut out 12 appears, wherethe shoulder straps of the backpack are located, with an elastic band 11contained around the oval-shape cut out, so that the backpack cover willfit over the backpack in a snug fashion but still permit the user towear the backpack on his or her back.

It would be advantageous to provide a backpack cover that is waterproofand washable. It would also be advantageous to provide a backpack coverthat can be secured and removed without any clasps, hooks or ties. Itwould further be advantageous to provide a backpack cover that enablesthe user to use the backpack cover while still being able to wear thebackpack in a traditional fashion, on one's back.

FIG. 1 is a rear view of the backpack cover with number 10 referring tothe washable, waterproof fabric covering the exterior of the backpack.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the backpack cover with number 11referring to the elastisized seam around an oval shaped opening 12 toallow for the backpack straps to exit the backpack cover so as to allowthe wearer to wear the backpack on his or her back while simultaneouslyallowing the backpack cover to cover the entire exterior of backpackexcept that part which is touching the user's back.

FIG. 3 is a left view of a person utilizing the backpack cover whilewearing a backpack with number 13 referring to the not claimed backpackshoulder straps 13.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operatingrequirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in theart, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen forpurposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications whichdo not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of thisinvention.

FIGS. 4-14 illustrate a second preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. Referring to FIGS. 4-7, the present invention provides anenclosure device 100 (i.e., a portable pack cover) for a portable pack(not shown). The enclosure device 100, also referred to herein as abackpack cover, includes a perimeter 102, a first wall 104 and afastening member 110. The portable pack can be any portable pack asreadily known in the art, such as but not limited to a backpack, a pieceof luggage, a briefcase or a laptop bag.

Referring to FIG. 6, the perimeter 102 forms an opening 114 forreceiving the portable pack. The opening 114 is sized and configured toreceive the portable pack and allow the portable pack to fittherethrough. The portable pack passes through the opening 114 and issubstantially enclosed within the enclosure device 100. That is, theperimeter 102 along with the first wall 104, further described below,form an interior cavity 108 for substantially surrounding the portablepack. The opening 114, as shown, is substantially rectangular in shape,but can be any other shape suitable for the foregoing intended use ofcovering a portable pack.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the first wall 104 extends across from theperimeter 102. That is, the first wall 104 extends across a width of theperimeter 102. The interior cavity 108, as shown in FIG. 6, issubstantially cubic in shape, but can be configured into any other shapesuitable for conforming to and encasing or covering the portable pack.The first wall 104 and the perimeter 102 collectively form a coveringmember. In other words, the covering member includes a plurality ofcovering elements 106 spanning across a perimeter of the coveringmember. Each of the plurality of covering elements 106 is independentlymoveable between an open and a closed position.

The first wall 104 is formed from a plurality of individual coveringelements 106 extending across a width of the perimeter 102. FIG. 4illustrates the covering elements 106 extending across the width of theperimeter 102 in a horizontal direction, but the cover elements 106 canalternatively be configured to extend in any other direction across thewidth of the perimeter 102, such as at an angle to the horizontal. Eachof the covering elements can be configured to have a shape of at leastone of a rectangle (FIG. 4), a square (FIG. 11), a semi-circle (FIG.12), a trapezoid (FIG. 13) and an oval (FIG. 14). Each of the pluralityof covering elements 106 is independently moveable between an openposition (FIG. 5) and a closed position (FIG. 4). The covering elements106 are connected to the perimeter 102 along its side edges, butpreferably connected about a localized upper area of the side edge, asshown in FIG. 5. The covering elements 106 are releasably connected toan adjacent covering element 106 by a fastener 107, such as a zipper, ahook and loop fastener (FIG. 5), a clip, a button, a latch, orcombinations thereof.

Preferably, each covering element 106 includes a plurality of hook andloop fasteners 107 in a spaced relation along an overlapping area ofadjacent covering elements 106. Furthermore, each of the plurality ofcovering elements 106 preferably overlaps an adjacent covering element106 e.g., in a shingle-like relationship, as best shown in FIGS. 5, 7and 11.

Referring again to FIG. 6, as discussed previously, the enclosure device100 includes a fastening member 110. The fastening member 110 ispreferably operatively connected to the perimeter 102, but canalternatively be connected to other areas of the enclosure device 100.The fastening member 110 can be at least one of a lash (FIG. 6), anelastic member, a hook and loop fastener, a zipper, and a clip.Preferably, the fastening member 110 is a lash, as shown in FIG. 6,which can be tightened by pulling the lash from the fastening memberholes 111 and in doing so, the opening 114 becomes smaller in size,closing the interior cavity 108 and substantially conforming theenclosure device on the portable pack. The lash 110 is connected to theperimeter 102 by a through passage 109 extending substantially theentire length of the perimeter 102.

Referring to FIG. 8, the enclosure device 100 can further include asecond wall 112 extending from the perimeter 102. The second wall 112extends from the perimeter 102 on a side opposite the first wall 104.The second wall 112 preferably partially covers the opening 114. Thesecond wall 112 only partially extends from the perimeter 102 so as toform an aperture 113 which allows, e.g., straps on a backpack to passthrough without obstruction.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the enclosure device 100 can optionallyinclude a container 116. The container 116 is fixedly attached to atleast one of the perimeter 102 and the first wall 104. As shown in FIG.10, the container 116 is preferably fixedly attached to a top end of theperimeter 102, but the container 116 can alternatively be attached inany location about the enclosure device. The container 116 is configuredto receive the entirety of the perimeter 102, the first wall 104 and thefastening member 110 and completely enclose the perimeter 102, the firstwall 104 and the fastening member 110. That is, the enclosure device 100can be rolled up and completely stored within the container 116 forstorage.

The container 116 can also optionally include a pair of attachmentmembers 118 for attaching the container 116 to the portable pack, andmore specifically to e.g., shoulder straps of the portable pack. Asshown in FIG. 9, the pair of attachment members 118 is illustrated as apair of clips each extending from opposite ends of the container 116. Avariety of clips also applicable to the present invention are disclosedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,234,761 and 5,005,266, the entire disclosures ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein. However, the attachmentmember 118 can alternatively be any other suitable attachment member118, such as a hook and loop fasteners, a draw string, etc. Thecontainer 116 also includes a closing member 120. The closing member120, as shown, is a zipper, but also can be any other closing member 120suitable for the foregoing intended use.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the perimeter 102 is configured to form a sidewall 102 of the enclosure device 100 which can be of varying width andsizes. The side wall 102 can optionally be configured to include aretaining member 122. The retaining member 122 is connected to the frontand rear ends of the side wall 102 and extends across the width of theside wall 102. The retaining member 122 can be moved so as to adjust anoverall length of the side wall 102 from a first length to a secondlength. That is, the retaining member 122 can be moved between anexpanded position (e.g., a first length) and a contracted position(e.g., a second length). This allows the enclosure device 100 to fitsnugly around the portable pack. The retaining member 122 is preferablyat least one of an elastic member, a lash, a hook and loop fastener, abutton, a zipper, and a clip.

The enclosure device 100 is formed out of a flexible material. Thisallows the enclosure device 100 to surround, conform to, and completelyor substantially enclose any portable pack of varying size and shape.The enclosure device is also formed out of a waterproof and/or washablematerial, such as natural or synthetic fabrics that are laminated to orcoated with a waterproofing material e.g., rubber, polyvinyl chloride(PVC), polyurethane (PU), silicone elastomer, fluoropolymers, and wax.

In operation, when the enclosure device 100 is used for covering theportable pack, the portable pack is fed through the opening 104 and intothe interior cavity 108. The fastening member 110 is operated so as toclose the opening 104 around the portable pack and secure the enclosuredevice 100 around the portable pack in times of use.

Then, when a user desires to access something in the portable pack butdoes not want to remove the enclosure device 100, the user can open anyof the plurality of individual covering elements 106 extending acrossthe perimeter 102. The individual covering elements 106 areindependently moveable between an open position and a closed position(i.e., one can be opened without opening another). When the individualcovering elements 106 are in an open position the user has access to theportable pack thought the enclosure device 100. When the individualcovering elements 106 are in a closed position, the portable pack iscompletely surrounded and enclosed by the enclosure device 100. Thebottom end of each individual covering element 106 can be detached fromthe top end of an adjacent covering element 106 located directly below.In doing so, the user can open just a single covering element 106 andaccess a single part of the portable pack without exposing the rest ofthe portable pack. Each individual covering element 106 can be partiallyremoved or fully removed as a result of the plurality of fasteners 107.

Further, the entire enclosure device 100 can be collapsed and storedinside of the container 116 when the enclosure device 100 is not in use.The enclosure device 100 can be folded, rolled or pressed inside of thecontainer 116 and stored out of the way. Furthermore, the container 116can be attached e.g., to shoulder straps of a backpack for ease of useand deployment.

In an alternative aspect, the covering member, discussed previously, caninclude a plurality of retaining members 115 (FIG. 1) positioned aboutthe covering member in a spaced relationship for reconfiguring the shapeof the interior cavity 108 of the covering member. In other words, theretaining members 115 function to shorten or lengthen a section of thecovering member to allow a user to reconfigure the size and shape of thecovering member's interior cavity to a specific backpack. In doing so,the covering member reduces the possibility that the backpack will beexposed to adverse weather related elements.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the embodiments described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. It is to be understood, therefore, that thisinvention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but itis intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims.

I/we claim:
 1. An enclosure device for a portable pack comprising: aperimeter forming an opening for receiving the portable pack; a firstwall extending across the perimeter, the first wall having a pluralityof individual covering elements extending across a width of theperimeter, wherein each of the plurality of covering elements areindependently moveable between an open position and a closed position,and wherein the perimeter and the first wall form an interior cavity forsubstantially surrounding the portable pack; and a fastening memberoperatively connected to the perimeter to secure the enclosure device tothe portable pack.
 2. The enclosure device of claim 1, furthercomprising a second wall extending from the perimeter and opposite thefirst wall that at least partially covers the opening.
 3. The enclosuredevice of claim 1, further comprising a container attached to at leastone of the perimeter and the first wall.
 4. The enclosure device ofclaim 3, wherein the container is configured to receive the entirety ofthe perimeter, the first wall and the fastening member and completelyenclose the perimeter, the first wall and the fastening member.
 5. Theenclosure device of claim 3, wherein the container further comprises apair of attachment members for attaching the container to the portablepack.
 6. The enclosure device of claim 5, wherein the pair of attachmentmembers is a pair of clips each extending from opposite ends of thecontainer.
 7. The enclosure device of claim 4, wherein the containerincludes a closing member.
 8. The enclosure device of claim 1, whereinthe fastening member is at least one of a lash, an elastic member, ahook and loop fastener, a zipper, and a clip.
 9. The enclosure device ofclaim 1, wherein the enclosure device is formed out of a flexiblematerial.
 10. The enclosure device of claim 1, wherein the enclosuredevice is formed out of a waterproof material.
 11. The enclosure deviceof claim 1, wherein the plurality of covering elements are eachconfigured to have a shape of at least one of a rectangle, a square, asemi-circular, a trapezoid, and an oval.
 12. The enclosure device ofclaim 1, wherein each of the plurality of covering elements isreleasably connected to an adjacent covering element.
 13. The enclosuredevice of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of covering elementsis releasably connected to an adjacent covering element by at least oneof a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, a clip, a button, and a latch.14. The enclosure device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality ofcovering elements overlaps an adjacent covering element.
 15. Theenclosure device of claim 1, wherein the perimeter is configured to forma side wall of the enclosure device, and wherein the enclosure devicefurther includes a retaining member connected to the side wall andextending across a width of the side wall for adjusting an overalllength of the side wall from a first length to a second length.
 16. Theenclosure device of claim 1, wherein the retaining member is at leastone of an elastic member, a lash, a hook and loop fastener, a button, azipper, and a clip.
 17. An enclosure device for a portable packcomprising: a perimeter forming an opening for receiving the portablepack; a first wall extending across the perimeter, the first wall havingat least one covering element extending across a width of the perimeter,wherein the covering element is moveable between an open position and aclosed position, and wherein the perimeter and the first wall form aninterior cavity for substantially surrounding the portable pack; and afastening member operatively connected to the perimeter to secure theenclosure device to the portable pack.
 18. A waterproof backpack covercomprising: a covering member defining an interior cavity for receivingthe backpack; an access opening for providing access to the interiorcavity; and a fastening member for moving the access opening betweenfirst and second positions and for securing the covering member to thebackpack; wherein the covering member includes a plurality of coveringelements spanning across a perimeter of the covering member, and whereineach of the plurality of covering elements are independently moveablebetween an open position and a closed position.
 19. The waterproofbackpack cover of claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of coveringelements overlap an adjacent covering element in a shingle-likerelationship.
 20. The waterproof backpack cover of claim 18, furthercomprising a plurality of retaining members positioned about thecovering member in a spaced relationship for reconfiguring the shape ofthe interior cavity of the covering member.